Timing & Location: When you are planning your ceremony and cocktail hour details keep the heat in mind! If you are getting married at peak time try to make sure there is some type of shade over the seating. If there is not any way to shade the ceremony seating, consider having your ceremony a bit later in the day. In regards to cocktail hour, try and have at least a few seats inside in case any older guests need a break from the heat. If there are not any indoor options at your venue, request umbrellas or try and find some trees nearby that might be incorporate to provide some shade.
Water, Water, Everywhere!: This seems simple enough but can often be forgotten. Keep your guests, bridal party, and selves hydrated! The last thing you want to deal with is someone who is dehydrated! Ideally there should be water stations available before the ceremony, during cocktail hour, and at the reception. This can be incorporated in a fun way but ensure that it is easily available to all. Continue to encourage your bridal party to drink lots of water as well especially if people are drinking. There is nothing like having a girl go down at the alter because she didn’t hydrate properly.
Details: It is great when you can incorporate heat preventing items into your little details. If you know it is going to be a hot one, provide small fans for guests. There are several creative ways to subtlety incorporate the fans including turning your program into one! Sunscreen is often something that guests never think to put on when going to a wedding. Provide little bottles for guests or make sure that the bathroom is stocked with some!
You: The heat can be brutal in your dress with your hair and make-up done. The last thing you want is to look like you are melting! Ask one of your girls to have a light colored umbrella on hand to shade you from the sun. You can use this if there is a heat emergency. Be sure to have lots of tissues and blotting papers so you can easily give yourself a little pat if need be! There are all sorts of beautiful fans, work it into your look and have it on hand to pull out when needed! Lastly, hydrate! We cannot say this enough! Just like you want everyone else to drink water, we want you to drink water! This will keep you feeling fresh and prevent a foggy feeling!
We know how stressful and overwhelming planning can be but devising a heat plan in advance is definitely worth while. You don’t want your guests complaining or only remembering how hot your special day was. Anticipate the heat and plan for it!
